NAIA Football Players of the Week – No. 5

Dearen, Holshoe and Thompson named national weekly award winners

October 12, 2015

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By Alan Grosbach, Manager of Communications and Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chadd Dearen of SAGU (Texas), Nick Holshoe of Concordia (Mich.) and Ryan Thompson of Reinhardt (Ga.) were named NAIA Football National Players of the Week, the national office announced Monday. The trio was chosen for their performances during the week of Oct. 5 – 11 and were selected out of a pool of conference award winners.

National Special Teams Player of the WeekChadd Dearen, SAGU (Texas)Jr., K, Rowlett, Texas

• Converted 4-of-4 field goals in the Lions’ 47-7 win against Lyon (Ark.).• Three-of-four field goals were from 35 yards-or-greater, including a season-long 47 yard attempt.• Also ran for nine yards on a fake field goal.• Punted three times for 120 yards, including a long of 63 yards.• Tallied 612 yards on 10 kick off attempts.• Ranks fourth in the NAIA in scoring (kicking) with 50 points.• First career National Special Teams Player of the Week award.

National Defensive Player of the WeekNick Holshoe, Concordia (Mich.)Jr., DB, Hopkins, Mich.

• Anchored a Concordia (Mich.) defense with 18 total tackles (eight solo) and one interception in the Cardinals 35-14 win against then-No. 5 Saint Xavier (Ill.).• His interception set the table for Concordia’s first scoring drive.• Tallied 0.5 tackles for loss.• Tied for the NAIA lead in interceptions (5), while ranking No. 19 in tackles per game (11.5).• Owns 69 total tackles (27 solo) on the year.• First career National Defensive Player of the Week award.

National Offensive Player of the WeekRyan Thompson, Reinhardt (Ga.)Jr., QB, Mery Esther, Fla.

• Completed 20-of-31 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns to guide the Eagles to a 55-27 win over then-No. 10 Faulkner (Ala.).• Added 48 rushing yards on eight attempts, which was third-most for Reinhardt in the contest.• Only the second time in program history that an individual recorded 300-plus-yards passing.• Ranks third nationally in pass efficiency (172.3) and No. 35 in total offense (1,101 yards).• First career National Offensive Player of the Week.

For a complete list of all the national statistical leaders, click here.